National insurance is a scheme where people in work make payments towards the system that pays benefits to people in need eg jobseekers allowance and the state pension. The payments are called national insurance contributions and certain benefits are only payable if you have paid enough of these contributions, (sometimes called "Stamps"). National insurance contributions also go towards the costs of the National Health Service. The national insurance scheme is administered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). You can find more details on their website
Its a good idea to pay your National Insurance contributions regularly as they will enable you to get all sorts of benefits in later life eg:-
Jobseeker's Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, Bereavement Benefits, Retirement Pension and Maternity Allowance.
Governments often change the benefit system so its worth checking things out if you are in doubt about anything. A good start is the Citizens' Advice Website, where you can often find answers to your questions without having to leave your computer!
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